Results 11,381-11,400 of 11,979 for speaker:Billy Kelleher

Seanad: Unemployment Levels: Statements (15 Oct 2008)

Billy Kelleher: This debate is timely, coming as it does during challenging times for economies across the globe. The recent increase in the numbers on the live register is an unwelcome illustration of the challenge that lies ahead in steering the economy through what are undoubtedly challenging times. I want to outline the specific measures that the Government is taking to ensure that this country does...

Seanad: Unemployment Levels: Statements (15 Oct 2008)

Billy Kelleher: We call it as it is. We like to be up-front and honest. In the context of this budget, people generally accept that the challenges must be faced immediately. We cannot put this on the long finger. The Taoiseach said in the Dáil this morning that we are trying to ensure we restore stability to the public finances, that we remain competitive and that we do not create any hindrance to, or...

Seanad: Unemployment Levels: Statements (15 Oct 2008)

Billy Kelleher: If the Senator is looking for praise, he invited the wrong Minister to the House.

Leaders' Questions (15 Oct 2008)

Billy Kelleher: What has Deputy Gilmore done about it?

Written Answers — Work Permits: Work Permits (14 Oct 2008)

Billy Kelleher: The Employment Permits Section of my Department informs me that there is no current valid application made on behalf of the above named person. However, if the above named wishes to submit an application it will be considered on its merits.

Written Answers — Compensation Tribunal: Compensation Tribunal (14 Oct 2008)

Billy Kelleher: This matter has already been raised with a number of Departments, including my own, by the Joint Committee on Communications, Energy and Natural Resources. On the basis of the information available via the Committee, it would appear that this is a matter between the former miners and their former employers and insofar as the State may be concerned, a matter for further consideration under the...

Written Answers — Workplace Accidents: Workplace Accidents (9 Oct 2008)

Billy Kelleher: I would refer the Deputy to my combined written answer in the Dáil Debates for 24 September 2008 to Questions Nos. 136, 141 and 159. Statistics In 2007 a total of 67 workplace fatalities was reported to the Health and Safety Authority compared to 48 to date (7 October) in 2008 and compared to a total of 51 fatalities in the whole of 2006. There were over 7,000 non-fatal work injuries overall...

Order of Business (9 Oct 2008)

Billy Kelleher: Last night, on the Harbours (Amendment) Bill 2008——

Job Protection. (8 Oct 2008)

Billy Kelleher: I thank the Deputies for raising this matter. It is a very sensitive issue for both of them in that Dell is located in Limerick. Dell is undertaking a fundamental review of its global manufacturing operations. That is well known and has been in the public domain for some time. IDA Ireland will keep in contact with its client companies in Ireland in the context of any global review being...

Job Protection. (8 Oct 2008)

Billy Kelleher: I can tell the Deputy that the Tánaiste has been fully briefed on this and is kept abreast by the IDA. Her absence from the House tonight is in no way a disrespect to the concerns of the workers or to the Deputies opposite who have raised the matter. This issue is very sensitive. Discussions with companies such as this are done on a confidential basis. When the IDA goes abroad and...

Job Protection. (8 Oct 2008)

Billy Kelleher: ——which is a very important factor.

Job Protection. (8 Oct 2008)

Billy Kelleher: I will deal with it as specifically as I can in the context of protecting confidentiality. I do not think the Deputy or I or anybody else should jeopardise any contacts made by the State agency and by Dell——

Job Protection. (8 Oct 2008)

Billy Kelleher: ——in ensuring Dell is made fully aware of how important it is to Limerick and to Ireland.

Job Protection. (8 Oct 2008)

Billy Kelleher: I make the point that Ireland is seen globally as an attractive place to do business. We have considerable competition from other countries such as Puerto Rico, Singapore and elsewhere that have reduced corporation tax, where there is a highly flexible and educated workforce and huge sums are being invested in infrastructure in order to attract businesses. We are competing globally against...

Job Protection. (8 Oct 2008)

Billy Kelleher: That may not appease the Deputy and may not satisfy him but I am sure that he understands the reasons I have outlined.

Job Protection. (8 Oct 2008)

Billy Kelleher: We are committed to ensuring that is the case. The IDA, as I said, is in continuous discussions with any client company when it locates in this country and equally when it carries out reviews. Over the next number of weeks people will say they are hearing things etc. Until such time as decisions are made it is best to leave the matter with the State agencies. The Tánaiste is being kept...

Job Protection. (8 Oct 2008)

Billy Kelleher: ——and I assure the Deputy that people are working hard to ensure Dell is an integral part of the Irish economy.

Unemployment: Motion (Resumed) (8 Oct 2008)

Billy Kelleher: I welcome the opportunity to speak on this issue. While the motion makes some proposals, it is also interspersed with some negative ideas. Obviously the situation of rising unemployment in which we find ourselves is of concern. Reference was made to people queuing outside social welfare offices. We do not want to go back to the days when people were in long-term unemployment in some cases...

Unemployment: Motion (Resumed) (8 Oct 2008)

Billy Kelleher: It goes to show how flippant the Labour Party Deputies can be at times. Many people put their homes on the line, borrowed money, bought sites and provided apartments and houses, and considerable employment.

Unemployment: Motion (Resumed) (8 Oct 2008)

Billy Kelleher: While I do not want to get argumentative——